Southern California Unified Malacologists XII:
SCUM returns to L.A.!
January 19th 2008
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90007
First reminder: The twelfth annual meeting of the Southern California Unified Malacologists (SCUM) will convene in the Education Department classroom (2nd floor) of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. SCUM is an informal association of professional, student, and amateur Malacologists and Molluscan Paleontologists who are active or interested in mollusk research. The purpose of the annual gatherings is to facilitate contact and keep one another informed of research activities and opportunities. There are no dues, no officers, and no publications.
Usual directions to LACM:
From the Harbor Freeway south (I-110): Exit at Exposition Blvd. and follow the off ramp as it curves west directly onto Exposition Blvd. There are traffic lights at Flower and Figueroa streets and then three lights for access to USC. Just past the light at USC Watt Way is Menlo Ave. (no light). Turn left on Menlo Ave. and park in the west staff lot or in the 5-Star lot if directed to do so.
From the Harbor Freeway north (I-110): Exit at Exposition Blvd./37th St. Proceed through the intersection past the DMV office, turn left under the freeway onto Exposition Blvd., and follow directions as above to the museum.
As of today (13 November) the construction continues on Exposition Blvd. for MetroRail expansion from Flower St. to Vermont Ave. and there are numerous metal plates and rough pavement. The usual traffic pattern is still in use except at the intersection of Exposition Blvd. and Figueroa St. where the west bound lanes briefly swing over to the east bound side before returning to the normal flow. As this situation seems to change weekly and directions to the museum may be different in the future, be sure to carefully read the next reminder in early January. Parking is free for attendees but there will only be a limited number of reserved spaces in the staff lot (off Menlo St.) and others will be directed to the 5-Star lot across Menlo St. with a token. After parking walk east in the staff lot past the reflecting pool and down the ramp to the staff entrance. The person on duty will have everyone sign in and will be issued a sticker-type visitor's badge. Please wear this badge if you leave the museum, as it will be necessary to re-enter the building.
For those who wish to stay overnight near LACM, the Vagabond Inn (3101 So. Figueroa St., 1-800-522-1555, ~$89/night) and the Radisson Hotel (3540 So. Figueroa St., 1-888-201-1718, ~$169/night) are both within walking distance of the museum.
The doors will open at 8:00 AM for breakfast-type fare and the meeting will begin around 9:00 AM. Lunch can be a simple affair at the LACM "café" which has a limited menu and pre-packaged items, but it is recommended that you bring your lunch or go outside the museum. The California ScienCenter, which is within five minutes walking distance, is located within Exposition Park and has McDonalds, Taco Bell, and The Rose Garden Café that has a sandwich/hot item counter. There are also Quiznos subs, Chipotle Grill, Robeks Juice, and Cold Stone Creamery within 10 minutes walking distance on Figueroa St. near Exposition Blvd. For those who wish to drive further afield, there is the University Village food court north of USC near Jefferson Blvd. and McClintock Ave. and a myriad of fast food eateries along Figueroa St. (Carl's Jr., Panda Express, Sizzler, McDonalds, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, etc.). Re-entering the parking lots is permitted for everyone. Note that if the weather does not cooperate, it may be necessary to do a send out for a sub-type lunch arrangement. If so a small contribution will be requested for lunch services. Please RSVP!
Tentative schedule:
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Meet and greet with coffee, tea, and pastry items
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Announcements, introductions, and short informal presentations
12:00 PM: Group photo (weather permitting) on the east or south steps of the museum, or in front of the 'Dueling Dinosaurs' sculpture on the north side of the museum.
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch break
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: More presentations
3:30 PM -- ??: Malacology collection access/tours
For detailed presentations a projector with PC laptop will be available for those participants with PowerPoint presentations. If necessary, a 35 mm Carousel projector and/or overhead projector will be available. NOTE: Presentations must be limited to 15 minutes tops with five minutes for questions (be sure to check CDs, DVDs, or flash drives ahead of schedule). It would also be very helpful to know ahead of time who will be presenting detailed talks to prepare a speakers schedule.
Please RSVP as soon as possible so we know how many pastries to purchase, how much coffee to brew, and who will be presenting detailed talks. An additional reminder notice will be sent in early January, which will include updated information on the Exposition Blvd. construction status, the parking situation at LACM, and possible alternate directions. Many apologies for the multiple notices you may receive as this announcement is being sent to SCUM attendees of the past and posted on PaleoNet, Mollusca, and Conch-L. For more information and/or questions contact me (see below).
Aloha,
Lindsey Groves
Natural History Museum of L.A. County
Malacology Section
[log in to unmask]
213-763-3376 (voice)
213-746-2999 (fax)
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